If you aren't familiar with how Super Quiet UnInterrupted Listening time works, visit this post for a crash course!

First Listening

Listen to the first 3:25 of this video ONLY!

We will get to the end of the video later -- for now, just allow your student to listen to this first part, which is Aaron Copland's original piece. The end of the video is Emerson, Lake & Palmer's arrangement (which is wonderful, too!).

Remember, students should be super quiet as they listen. Direct them to listen for Dynamics, Rhythm/Tempo, Instrumentation, and Mood.

Younger students can just come up with a picture in their mind while they listen.

Dynamics

Dynamics are the louds and softs in music. What variations do you hear - this piece runs the full spectrum.

Rhythm/Tempo

The actual speed of this piece (as written) is "very deliberately". There are a few signature rhythms in this piece, too. If you are interested, you can view the score of the piece, too.

Instrumentation

Now is a good time to learn about the Brass Family. There are also percussion instruments (timpani and gong) playing. In fact, a FANFARE is actually a piece of music played by brass instruments.

Mood

The mood of this piece is hopeful, expectant and optimistic. Encourage your children to come up with adjectives to describe the music. Younger children can draw pictures to match what they are hearing.

Extension

Listen to the rest of the music (from 3:25 to the end) to hear another arrangement of this piece. Children will like this very much.